Modesto-area revelers can call for a ride

Taxi companies in the Modesto area stand ready for people who need rides home from New Year’s Eve celebrations.

And they have competition from Uber and other online car-sharing services that have emerged in recent years.

United Cab Co. will have all 30 of its cars in service to discourage drinkers from driving themselves home.

“It’s just not worth it,” owner Jay Akbari said Tuesday. “Save a life and take a taxi.”

Cabs long have been an option for people who are too impaired to drive and are not part of a group with a designated sober driver.

Glenn Fliehr, a dispatcher with Red Top Taxi, said business tends to be moderate until 7 or 8 p.m. on the big night, “and then it just snowballs.”

He expects to have five or six cars on the streets this time around, down sharply from the time before the online services.

These services, such as Uber and Lyft, recruit ordinary car owners to be available for people who need a ride. Conventional taxi companies have complained that the upstarts are not regulated enough on safety and other issues, but that has not stopped them from becoming major players.

Uber and Lyft, which serve the Modesto area, have joined with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to encourage a safe holiday.

“With all the planning that goes into the perfect New Year’s Eve celebration, Uber and MADD urge you to plan ahead for the most important part of the night: the ride home,” Uber said in a blog post.

Taxis have not been left behind in the online shift in transportation. A company called Flywheel allows people to hail them using a mobile app.

Partiers also can use Tipsy Tow, a program of the California State Automobile Association that provides free rides home for people and their vehicles. They need not be members. Call (800) 222-4357.

This story was originally published December 30, 2014 at 6:57 PM with the headline "Modesto-area revelers can call for a ride."